The last decade has seen a striking rise in
Russian cases before the European Court of Human Rights. The influence of its
case-law can be seen in all areas of Russian life, becoming a reality on the
ground, a genuine impulse for change. Russia, the Court`s biggest `client`, has
also played its part in the major development of the Convention system. Judge
Anatoly Kovler has left his mark on this important period for the Convention
and for Russia. Beyond his judicial achievements, which are illustrated by hundreds
of judgments, he has become a key figure in the dialogue between the Court and
the national authorities, thus acting as a bridge between two different
environments. These theoretical and practical essays are published in his
honour by his colleagues and friends. The Russian perspective is presented
notably by Valery Zorkin, President of the Constitutional Court, and Tatiana
Neshatayeva, former Judge at the Supreme Commercial Court. The decade of change
from the Court’s viewpoint is highlighted by, among others, its President Dean
Spielmann, former Section President Nina Vajic, Deputy Registrar Michael
O`Boyle, and former Registrar and Jurisconsult Michele de Salvia. A personal
testimonial by the former President of the Court, Jean-Paul Costa, enriches this
book along with Professor Frédéric Sudre’s insight into Judge Kovler’s separate
opinions.